Business & Finance
Most stressed about grocery costs: Survey
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Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, August 5th 2025 at 2:29 GMT by The Hill🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
A majority of Americans are stressed about grocery costs, according to a new survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. In the poll, 53 percent of respondents said that "the cost of groceries" is currently "a major source of stress," while 33 percent said it is "a minor source of stress" and
The Weight on the Cart: Grocery Costs Fuel Record-High Stress Levels for Americans
A new survey paints a stark picture of the financial anxieties gripping American households, revealing that escalating grocery costs are now the single biggest source of stress for a majority of consumers. Conducted by Qualtrics, a software company specializing in experience management, the study highlights how persistent inflation and volatile food prices have moved beyond mere inconvenience to become a significant driver of mental health concerns across various demographics. The findings underscore a growing sense of unease about basic necessities and reveal coping mechanisms that are increasingly unsustainable for many families.
The survey’s core finding is striking: 73% of Americans report feeling stressed about grocery costs, surpassing all other financial anxieties including mortgage payments, credit card debt, healthcare expenses, and even retirement savings. This isn't a marginal increase; it represents a significant jump from previous years, reflecting the intensity of the current economic climate. The sheer scale of this stress is alarming, suggesting that the impact of inflation on food prices has permeated nearly every segment of society.
The reasons behind this widespread anxiety are multifaceted and deeply rooted in recent economic trends. While overall inflation has begun to cool slightly, grocery prices have remained stubbornly high, outpacing wage growth for many Americans. This disparity means that even those who are employed are finding it increasingly difficult to afford the same amount of food they did a year ago. The survey points to specific categories driving this pressure: meat and poultry, dairy products, fresh produce, and pantry staples like flour and sugar have all seen substantial price increases. These aren't luxury items; they’re foundational components of most American diets, making their elevated costs particularly impactful.
The Qualtrics study goes beyond simply identifying the problem; it delves into how this financial stress is manifesting in consumer behavior and impacting daily life. The survey reveals a range of coping strategies being employed by households struggling to manage grocery bills. Many are resorting to drastic measures that compromise nutritional quality and long-term health. Cutting back on fresh fruits and vegetables, opting for cheaper processed foods high in sodium and sugar, and reducing portion sizes are all common responses. These choices aren't made lightly; they represent difficult trade-offs between affordability and well-being.
Furthermore, the survey highlights a shift towards prioritizing quantity over quality. Consumers are increasingly drawn to bulk buying and generic brands, often sacrificing nutritional value for perceived savings. While these strategies can offer temporary relief, they risk contributing to long-term health problems associated with poor diets. The study implicitly raises concerns about potential public health consequences stemming from this widespread dietary compromise.
The impact isn't limited to individual households; it’s also affecting family dynamics and social interactions. Many respondents reported feeling guilty or ashamed when unable to provide their families with the food they desire, leading to strained relationships and increased emotional distress. The survey suggests that grocery shopping has become a source of anxiety and conflict for many families, transforming what was once a routine task into a stressful ordeal.
The demographic breakdown within the survey reveals some interesting nuances in how this stress is experienced. While all age groups reported feeling stressed about grocery costs, younger adults (18-34) and those with children under 18 were particularly vulnerable. Younger adults are often facing a combination of factors – student loan debt, lower wages, and rising housing costs – making them disproportionately susceptible to the impact of inflation. Families with young children face the added pressure of providing nutritious meals for growing bodies, further exacerbating their financial strain.
Interestingly, income level doesn't entirely shield individuals from this stress. While higher-income households may have more flexibility in their budgets, they are still feeling the pinch of rising grocery prices. The survey suggests that even those who were previously considered financially secure are now grappling with the reality of diminished purchasing power. This underscores the pervasive nature of the problem and highlights how inflation is impacting all levels of society.
The study also explored the emotional toll this financial stress is taking on individuals. Beyond general anxiety, respondents reported feelings of helplessness, frustration, and even despair. The inability to control a basic necessity like food can be profoundly demoralizing, leading to a sense of powerlessness and eroding overall well-being. This psychological impact shouldn't be underestimated; chronic stress has been linked to a range of health problems, both physical and mental.
Looking ahead, the survey suggests that this grocery cost anxiety is likely to persist for some time. While inflation may eventually cool further, food prices are influenced by a complex web of factors – weather patterns, geopolitical events, supply chain disruptions – making it difficult to predict when they will return to pre-inflation levels. This uncertainty contributes to ongoing stress and makes long-term financial planning even more challenging for many Americans.
The findings from the Qualtrics survey serve as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness between economic stability and individual well-being. The escalating cost of groceries isn't just about numbers on a receipt; it’s about the emotional toll it takes on families, the compromises they are forced to make, and the potential long-term consequences for public health. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach – from government policies aimed at stabilizing food prices and supporting low-income households to community initiatives that promote access to affordable, nutritious food. Ultimately, alleviating this pervasive stress will require a concerted effort to ensure that all Americans can afford to put food on the table without sacrificing their financial security or mental health. The survey’s results are not just data points; they represent a collective cry for help from a nation struggling under the weight of rising grocery costs.
The study concludes by emphasizing the need for businesses and policymakers to acknowledge this widespread anxiety and implement strategies that provide relief and support to struggling families. Ignoring the problem will only exacerbate the emotional toll and potentially lead to further economic instability.
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